Smil, Unit 69-70, Dockside Outlet Shopping Centre, Maritime Way, St Mary's Island, Chatham, ME4 3ED
Smil, Unit 69-70, Dockside Outlet Shopping Centre, Maritime Way, St Mary's Island, Chatham, ME4 3ED
The new school year is here and you’re slowly finding your groove again. But, there’s another routine worth putting firmly in place at home: looking after your child’s smile.
A healthy smile contributes to their overall well-being, confidence and health. While we know getting children to brush and floss can sometimes feel like a daily negotiation, the good news is it doesn’t have to be a battle.
This guide is packed with practical, easy-to-try ideas to help you make dental care a natural part of your family’s routine. Keep reading to learn more.
Most children don’t exactly leap out of bed excited to brush their teeth. But with some creativity, those two minutes can become a fun part of their day.
*Turn on the music – Play a two-minute song they love.
*Add a timer – A visible countdown makes it more of a challenge.
*Brush together – Seeing you do it reinforces that it’s something everyone does, not just kids.
Brushing twice a day, especially before bed, is non-negotiable. It clears away food and bacteria that can cause decay overnight. And here’s a useful tip: after brushing, encourage your child to spit but not rinse. Rinsing washes away the fluoride that protects their teeth.
Routine dental visits to our Chatham practice are an important way to spot small problems before they turn into big ones. Booking a check-up around the start of the new term is a great way to keep their smile on track for the whole school year. Plus, it’s one less thing to remember when life gets busy.
The food your child eats plays a big role in their dental health. Here are a few lunchbox-friendly favourites that get your dentist’s seal of approval:
*Veggie and fruit slices – The crunchy texture helps clean teeth naturally and boost saliva flow.
*Cheese and yoghurt – Full of calcium and phosphorus to keep enamel strong. Cheese also helps balance acids in the mouth.
*Nuts – Great for teeth and gums (just check your school’s nut policy first).
We know mornings can be a rush, but try to limit these to occasional treats:
*Sticky sweets like fruit snacks or toffee – they cling to teeth and feed bacteria.
*Sugary drinks, including juice, fizzy drinks and sports drinks, as they can erode enamel over time.
*Starchy snacks like crisps and white bread. They break down into sugars in the mouth, which bacteria loves.
Children thrive on routine, and honestly, so do parents. When brushing and flossing happen at the same time each day, it stops feeling like something you have to remember and starts feeling automatic.
Morning brushing can be part of the “we’re all getting ready” flow, right after breakfast, before the mad dash to the door. Evening brushing works best when it’s tied to another solid habit, like changing into pyjamas or reading a bedtime story.
The more consistent you are, the fewer “But I already did it!” debates you’ll have (spoiler: they usually didn’t).
Even with the best routines, there will be days when your child just isn’t in the mood to brush or floss. The trick is to keep the tone light and avoid turning it into a power struggle.
Offer choices instead of commands – like “Do you want to brush with the blue toothbrush or the dinosaur one?”
Some parents find it helps to set small rewards, like a weekly sticker chart that earns an extra bedtime story or a fun weekend activity. Whatever works for your child, the goal is to make brushing feel positive, not like a punishment.
It’s amazing how quickly children pick up on what we do. If they see you brushing and flossing every day, they’re far more likely to copy it without complaint.
Make it a family event, even just once a day. Stand side-by-side at the sink and turn it into a two-minute chat about their day while you both brush. It’s an easy way to connect and show them that caring for their smile is just another normal part of life, not a chore reserved for children.
At Smil, we love helping families maintain healthy, happy smiles all year round. If you have any questions about protecting your child’s teeth during the school year, or just want a friendly checkup before things get too busy, call our team on 01634 756536. We look forward to hearing from you.
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